The Denver Nuggets are still looking to trade Kenneth Faried, and the Boston Celtics are rumored to be the likely destination for the Manimal.
The Nuggets are expected to be at the "epicenter" of trade talks, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe, with Denver still looking to move forward Kenneth Faried, who has been involved in trade rumors in the past few months.
"The Nuggets will also be at the epicenter of the trade market. They've been dangling Faried off and on for three years, and continue to now, sources say," Lowe wrote.
Faried was a fan-favorite in Denver due to his energizing plays and incredible athleticism. But he has quickly gone from being the face of the team to a role player. But Faried still posted solid numbers for the Nuggets last season, averaging 12.5 points and 8.7 rebound a game, and this type of production should still see him a valuable addition for other teams.
Several teams have been linked to trading for Faried, but recent rumors have suggested that the Boston Celtics could be a potential destination for the high-flying forward.
In the report's trade scenario, the Nuggets would trade Faried and Danilo Gallinari to the Celtics for Jaylen Brown, Amir Johnson, Kelly Olynyk and Jonas Jerebko, a deal which works under NBA salary guidelines. The Celtics could also include a draft pick to sweeten up the pot for the Nuggets.
By adding Faried and Gallinari, the Celtics would receive a pair of proven stars that could help the team become legit title contenders. Faried's offensive skillset playing at the four spot is limited, but his defensive upside and ability to finish at the rim should make him a desirable partner to Al Horford.
On the other hand, Gallinari would provide the Celtics the much-needed outside shooting to help free up some space inside the paint, maximizing Horford's offensive repertoire. Gallinari averaged 19.5 points per game last season, while shooting 41 percent from the field, including 36.4 from three-point territory.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets would get to acquire young talents in Jaylen Brown and Kelly Olynyk, who could both be essential pieces in the team's rebuild. Johnson's expiring contract would also allow the Nuggets to have flexible cap space next summer, while draft picks should help them get another talented prospect Denver could nurture.
It is unclear whether the Celtics would truly consider trading for Faried. But if Boston sees him as the final piece to their championship puzzle, it is a deal worth exploring for the Celtics before the trade deadline.
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